Methods for automatic filling, charging and dispensing carbon dioxide snow block

Abstract

A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.

1 . A method of preparing a container for automated charging carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block into a single container, comprising:
 inputting into a controller a set point to be used for determining completion of fill of the CO2 snow block into the container, said set point based on i) fill duration; (ii) a pre-defined weight of the CO2 snow block, (iii) a pressure in the container, (iii) a capacitance of the CO2 snow block, (v) a temperature in the container or (vi) a deformation of a plate, said plate permanently or removably affixed to the container;   the controller performing integrity checks and determining said integrity checks to meet applicable criteria; and in response thereto,   the controller validating the container is in a filling orientation, and if the container is determined to not be in the filling orientation, said controller either (i) transmitting a first signal to cause the container to actuate into the filling orientation, or (ii) transmitting an alert notification for a user to manually configure the container into the filling orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of pressurizing a supply manifold and the fill conduit to a pressure that is at or above a pressure sufficient to prevent a phase change of liquid CO2. 
     
     
         3 . A method of configuring a container into a filling orientation suitable for receiving CO2 liquid, comprising:
 transmitting a signal to an actuator arm configured to operably connect a plate to the container, said plate permanently affixed or removably affixed to the container, said plate permeable to a gaseous phase CO2 and at least partially impermeable to a solid phase CO2;   forming a seal along the periphery of the plate; and   operably connecting and locking a fill conduit of the plate to a CO2 supply manifold.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 generating CO2 snow block into the container;   releasing the CO2 snow block from the container into a second container provided by a user.   
     
     
         5 . A method of selecting a container within an automatic dispensing station to automatically fill carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block into the container, comprising:
 inputting into the controller a volume of the CO2 snow block to be generated as a set point;   the controller selecting the container with an interior volume corresponding to the set point, said container located within the automatic dispensing station, and said automatic dispensing station comprising two or more containers of different interior volumes; and   the controller validating the container is in a filling orientation, and if the container is determined to not be in the filling orientation, said controller either (i) transmitting a signal to cause the container to actuate into the filling orientation, or (ii) transmitting an alert notification for a user to manually configure the container into the filling orientation.